Weather in Australia

Due to the country's vast size, the climate in Australia varies tremendously, although one thing is certain: expats living down under are unlikely to escape the heat.

The southern coast, which includes Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, has the best climate by far, with mild winters (June to August) between 41°F and 50°F (5°C and 10°C) and warm summers (December to February) between 77°F and 86°F (25°C and 30°C). Winters tend to be wet, although Australia has been known to experience severe droughts caused by insufficient rainfall.

The interior of the country, often referred to as ‘the Outback’, is dry and barren and experiences more extreme weather conditions than the coastal regions. Summer (October to mid-March) temperatures during the day can soar to a scorching 104°F (40 °C) only to drop at nighttime, sometimes to between 66.2°F and 32°F (19°C and 0°C). In winter (June-August), temperatures are usually around 60.8°F and 75.2°F (16°C and 24°C).

Meanwhile, northern Australia has a tropical climate, with average temperatures in the dry season (May to October) of around 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). Heavy rainfall and even cyclones are known to hit between December and March when the temperature rises slightly to about 77°F to 91°F (25°C to 33°C). This is the hottest time of year in northern Australia, making for uncomfortably humid conditions.

Above all else, when it comes to the weather in Australia, expats should respect the harsh and relentless sunshine. Be sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF factor when outside, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.